Clare Hadley has been appointed as Chief Executive of Nelson City Council after a four month selection process.

Mrs Hadley is currently the Chief Executive at Rangitikei District Council in Marton, near Palmerston North.

Mayor Aldo Miccio is delighted to welcome Mrs Hadley to the role, acknowledging her two decades of experience in progressively challenging roles in local government at various councils around New Zealand.

“Clare is an incredibly experienced chief executive who is well respected amongst her peers. She has come from a Council that is heavily focused on providing quality core services like water and sewerage to the community while balancing the financial pressures that come with the cost of major infrastructure investment.

“With family in the region, Clare has visited Nelson often and has always been drawn to the vibrant CBD and the natural beauty our city offers. She’s really keen to be involved with a council that is active in the wellbeing of its community and plays a part in the lives of its residents.

“On behalf of the entire Council, I have great confidence in what Clare will bring to Nelson City. We are very lucky to have someone of her calibre to serve the community as Chief Executive.”

Mrs Hadley previously served Palmerston North City Council for five years, most recently as General Manager Community and Commercial Services. She also worked as Economic Development Manager at Hutt City Council and in managerial roles for both Porirua City Council and Dunedin City Council.

She is a member of the Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) Executive Board and is their immediate past president. She is also a board member for the Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Central).

Mrs Hadley is delighted to be taking on the role in a progressive city with a strong future.

“I feel privileged to be able to serve the residents of Nelson and to work alongside a Council that has great vision for the city’s future.

“There is clear alignment between the vision to make Nelson a better place and the achievements Council has made in recent years. Plans for the city’s future are also well in line with continuing to see Nelson grow and thrive. It’s clear Nelson knows where it wants to go and its leaders are working hard to get it there.

“I’m truly delighted to become part of the team and look forward to delivering to the community.”

Mrs Hadley prevailed over a field of 56 applicants with a wide range of experience who hailed from both national and international locations.

Mrs Hadley will assume her new role on 17 December. Current Acting Chief Executive Richard Johnson will continue to serve in the role to support the transition until then.